If you want to learn more about our products, please visit our website at www.mikroe.

com

If you are experiencing some problems with any of our products or just need additional information, please place your ticket at
www.mikroe.com/en/support

If you have any questions, comments or business proposals, do not hesitate to contact us at office@mikroe.com
microcontroller’s configuration bits.
8051Flash
™

Flash program is used to transfer a .hex file from a PC to the

microcontroller memory by means of the appropriate hardware.
Every flash program includes numerous options used for setting the

Programmer
User manual
 DISCLAIMER

All the products owned by MikroElektronika are protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty.
Therefore, this manual is to be treated as any other copyright material. No part of this manual, including
product and software described herein, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated or
transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of MikroElektronika. The
manual PDF edition can be printed for private or local use, but not for distribution. Any modification of this
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS manual is prohibited.

I want to express my thanks to you for being interested in our products and for having confidence in MikroElektronika provides this manual ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
Mikroelektronika. including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular
The primary aim of our company is to design and produce high quality electronic products and to constantly purpose.
improve the performance thereof in order to better suit your needs.
MikroElektronika shall assume no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions and inaccuracies that may
appear in this manual. In no event shall MikroElektronika, its directors, officers, employees or distributors be
liable for any indirect, specific, incidental or consequential damages (including damages for loss of business
profits and business information, business interruption or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use
of this manual or product, even if MikroElektronika has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Nebojsa Matic MikroElektronika reserves the right to change information contained in this manual at any time without prior
General Manager notice, if necessary.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

The products of MikroElektronika are not fault – tolerant nor designed, manufactured or intended for use or
resale as on – line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail – safe performance, such as
in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct
life support machines or weapons systems in which the failure of Software could lead directly to death,
personal injury or severe physical or environmental damage (‘High Risk Activities’). MikroElektronika and its
suppliers specifically disclaim any expressed or implied warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.

TRADEMARKS

The Mikroelektronika name and logo, the Mikroelektronika logo, mikroC, mikroC PRO, mikroBasic, mikro-
Basic PRO, mikroPascal, mikroPascal PRO, AVRflash, PICflash, dsPICprog, 18FJprog, PSOCprog, AVR-
prog, 8051prog, ARMflash, EasyPIC5, EasyPIC6, BigPIC5, BigPIC6, dsPIC PRO4, Easy8051B, EasyARM,
EasyAVR5, EasyAVR6, BigAVR2, EasydsPIC4A, EasyPSoC4, EasyVR Stamp LV18FJ, LV24-33A, LV32MX,
PIC32MX4 MultiMedia Board, PICPLC16, PICPLC8 PICPLC4, SmartGSM/GPRS, UNI-DS are trademarks
of Mikroelektronika. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.

All other product and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks
or copyrights of their respective companies, and are only used for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, with no intent to infringe.

The Atmel name and logo, the Atmel logo, AVR, AVR (Logo), AVR Freaks, AVR Freaks (Logo), AVR Studio, IDIC, megaAVR, megaAVR
(Logo), picoPower ®, tinyAVR ® are trademarks of Atmel Coorporation. ©MikroelektronikaTM, 2010, All Rights Reserved.
8051Flash 

page
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0. Introduction to 8051prog Programmer ...................................................................................... 4

2.0. Programming Microcontrollers .................................................................................................. 5
3.0. 8051Flash Program ................................................................................................................... 6
4.0. Software Installation .................................................................................................................. 7
5.0. Practical Example of Using 8051Flash Program ....................................................................... 9
6.0. Keyboard Shortcuts and Command Line Parameters ............................................................... 10

MikroElektronika
 
page 8051Flash

1.0. Introduction to 8051prog Programmer

The 8051prog™ programmer is a great tool used for programming 8051 microcontrollers from Atmel®. As a low-consumption device,
it is ideal to be used with notebooks. It’s unique design and simplicity make it a very popular tool among beginners and professional
users alike. The 8051prog programmer communicates to the microcontroller through a USB cable which is also used for powering
the programmer. In order to use this programmer, it is necessary to have the 8051Flash program and the appropriate driver, provided
on the product CD, installed on your PC. After that, you can use the 8051prog programmer and a hex code generated in any 8051
compiler to load the program into an 8051 microcontroller.

The 8051prog programmer is built into all Mikroelektronika’s 8051 development systems. The same programmer is also available as a
stand-alone device used for programming 8051 microcontrollers built into (soldered on) the target device.

The 8051prog programmer is built into all Mikroelektronika’s The 8051prog programmer is also available as a stand-
development systems designed for working with 8051 alone device used for programming 8051 microcontrollers
microcontrollers. built into (soldered on) the target device.

Figure 1-1: On-board 8051prog programmer Figure 1-2: Stand-alone 8051prog programmer

The 8051Flash program contains an option for selecting

the microcontroller to be programmed. The latest version of
this software with updated list of supported microcontrollers
can be downloaded free of charge from our website at
www.mikroe.com

Figure 1-3: 8051Flash program’s window

MikroElektronika
8051Flash 

page
2.0. Programming Microcontrollers
The process of programming microcontrollers starts by writing a program in one of 8051 compilers (mikroC PRO for 8051,
mikroBASIC PRO for 8051, mikroPASCAL PRO for 8051 etc.). When the program is correctly written, it should be compiled into
a format that can be loaded into the microcontroller. The program to be loaded into the microcontroller has the .hex extension. As
soon as the .hex file is generated, the program can be loaded into the microcontroller.

Compiling
program

Loading hex code

3

1
2

1 Write a code in one of 8051 compilers and generate

a .hex file;
On the right side of the 8051Flash program’s window there
2 In the 8051Flash program’s main window select
are several options which make the programming process
the microcontroller and load the hex code into the
easier, whereas, on the left side of the window there are a
programmer’s buffer;
number of options for microcontroller settings. Positioned
in the bottom right corner of the window, the Progress bar
3 Click the Write button to program the microcontroller.
enables you to monitor the programming process.

MikroElektronika
 
page 8051Flash

3.0. 8051Flash Program

The 8051Flash program is easy to use as all the options necessary for its operation are provided in a simple window which will appear
either by clicking on the 8051FLASH icon or automatically by starting the programming process (Build And Program option) in one of
8051 compilers.
The options used for setting configuration bits are provided on the left side of the window, whereas the options for loading .hex file into
the programmer and microcontroller are provided on the right side of the window.
The left side of the window can be different depending on the type of the microcontroller in use and its configuration bits.

To load the program into the microcontroller,

do the following:

1
1 Select the microcontroller to be programmed
and the 8051Flash will automatically set
default parameters for working with the
respective microcontroller
3
2 Click the Load option to open the window
to select the hex code to be loaded into the
microcontroller
2
3
Click the Write option to start programming
the microcontroller

The Progress bar shows the programming

progress expressed in a percentage

Figure 3-1: 8051Flash program’s main window

The 8051Flash program enables a hex code, generated in some of 8051 compilers, to be loaded into the microcontroller. The hex code
should be loaded first into the programmer’s buffer by clicking the Load option, then into the microcontroller by clicking the Write option
within the programmer’s main window. The programming progress will be shown in the Progress bar positioned in the bottom right corner
of the same window.

MikroElektronika
8051Flash 

page
4.0. Software Installation
Before you use the 8051Flash program, it is necessary to install the appropriate driver. For more information refer to quick guide for
installing USB drivers.

Step 1: Start installation

Insert the product CD into a CD drive. After a few seconds, a list with all
Mikroelektronika’s products will appear on the screen. To start the process
of installing the 8051Flash software, click on the setup icon provided in
the 8051prog section on the product CD:

CD Drive:/zip/8051flash_programmer.zip

You can also download the 8051Flash free of charge from our website. In
this case the installation starts from your hard drive. A welcome window
appears. Click Next to proceed.

Step 2: License Agreement

Before you start the installation process, please review the license
agreement terms. To accept them, select the option I accept the terms in
the License Agreement and click Next.

Step 3: Choose Components

To make your choice simple, this installation step offers you only one
component to choose. Click Next.

MikroElektronika
 
page 8051Flash

Step 4: Choose Installation Location

Now, you should specify the folder to install the 8051Flash program
into. If you want to install it in a folder different from default, click Browse
and select another folder on your hard disc. Then click Next. If you
choose the default folder, the program will be installed on the following
location:

C:\Program Files\Mikroelektronika\8051FLASH\

Step 5: Installation Details

The installation of the 8051Flash program starts immediately. The

installation progress will be shown on the screen. If you are interested
in details about the installation, click the Show details button.

Step 6: Completing Installation

Windows will inform you in the window, as shown in figure on the right,
that the 8051Flash program has been successfully installed. Click
Finish to complete the installation.

MikroElektronika
8051Flash 

page
5.0. Practical Example of Using 8051Flash Program
After the software installation is complete, connect the programmer to your development system using a USB cable. The USB
connection will be automatically established, which is indicated by the USB LINK LED’s illumination.

Step 1: Start up the 8051Flash program

Start up the 8051Flash program installed on your PC. Click the Device option in
order to select the microcontroller to be programmed. The 8051Flash program
will automatically set default parameters for working with the respective
microcontroller.

Step 2: Load a hex code into programmer’s buffer

Click the Load option to open the Open window, as shown in figure on the
right. Select the relevant file with the .hex extension and click the Open
button. The file will be automatically loaded into the programmer’s buffer.

Step 3: Write the hex code into the microcontroller

Click the Write option in the upper right corner of the main window to start
programming the microcontroller. The programming progress will be shown in
the bottom right corner of the same window.

MikroElektronika
 10
page 8051Flash

6.0. Keyboard Shortcuts and Command Line Parameters

Keyboard Shortcuts: Alt-E Erase the content of microcontroller’s memory

Alt-W Write a hex code into an 8051 microcontroller
Alt-V Verify the loaded hex code
Alt-R Program memory reading
Alt-D Change microcontroller type
Ctrl-S Save hex code
Ctrl-O Open (Load) file with hex code
Ctrl-R Reload hex code

Command Line: The 8051Flash program may also be activated from the command line, thus enabling you to use it
from some other software, compiler etc. Here is a list of the command line parameters:

-w Write to 8051 microcontroller

-v Verify
-e Erase program from 8051 microcontroller
-r Read program from 8051 microcontroller
-p Type of microcontroller (for example AT89S8253)
-f .hex file name “[<name must be enclosed in quotation marks>]”
-fc .hex file name to be loaded into FLASH memory “[<name must be enclosed in quotation marks>]”
-fd .hex file name to be loaded into EEPROM memory “[<name must be enclosed in quotation marks>]”
-c Microcontroller frequency
-q Close the 8051Flash program after programming

Example 1: 8051Flash.exe -w -pAT89S8253 -v -f”C:\somefile.hex”

This command is used for loading C:\somefile.hex into the AT89S8253 microcontroller. This file
will be verified immediately after being loaded into the microcontroller.

Example 2: 8051Flash.exe -r -pAT89S8253

This command is used for reading the content of the AT89S8253 microcontroller’s program memory.

Example 3: 8051Flash.exe -e -pAT89S8253

This command is used to erase program from the AT89S8253 microcontroller.

MikroElektronika
 DISCLAIMER

All the products owned by MikroElektronika are protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty.
Therefore, this manual is to be treated as any other copyright material. No part of this manual, including
product and software described herein, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated or
transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of MikroElektronika. The
manual PDF edition can be printed for private or local use, but not for distribution. Any modification of this
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS manual is prohibited.

I want to express my thanks to you for being interested in our products and for having confidence in MikroElektronika provides this manual ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
Mikroelektronika. including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular
The primary aim of our company is to design and produce high quality electronic products and to constantly purpose.
improve the performance thereof in order to better suit your needs.
MikroElektronika shall assume no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions and inaccuracies that may
appear in this manual. In no event shall MikroElektronika, its directors, officers, employees or distributors be
liable for any indirect, specific, incidental or consequential damages (including damages for loss of business
profits and business information, business interruption or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use
of this manual or product, even if MikroElektronika has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Nebojsa Matic MikroElektronika reserves the right to change information contained in this manual at any time without prior
General Manager notice, if necessary.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

The products of MikroElektronika are not fault – tolerant nor designed, manufactured or intended for use or
resale as on – line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail – safe performance, such as
in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct
life support machines or weapons systems in which the failure of Software could lead directly to death,
personal injury or severe physical or environmental damage (‘High Risk Activities’). MikroElektronika and its
suppliers specifically disclaim any expressed or implied warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.

TRADEMARKS

The Mikroelektronika name and logo, the Mikroelektronika logo, mikroC, mikroC PRO, mikroBasic, mikro-
Basic PRO, mikroPascal, mikroPascal PRO, AVRflash, PICflash, dsPICprog, 18FJprog, PSOCprog, AVR-
prog, 8051prog, ARMflash, EasyPIC5, EasyPIC6, BigPIC5, BigPIC6, dsPIC PRO4, Easy8051B, EasyARM,
EasyAVR5, EasyAVR6, BigAVR2, EasydsPIC4A, EasyPSoC4, EasyVR Stamp LV18FJ, LV24-33A, LV32MX,
PIC32MX4 MultiMedia Board, PICPLC16, PICPLC8 PICPLC4, SmartGSM/GPRS, UNI-DS are trademarks
of Mikroelektronika. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.

All other product and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks
or copyrights of their respective companies, and are only used for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, with no intent to infringe.

The Atmel name and logo, the Atmel logo, AVR, AVR (Logo), AVR Freaks, AVR Freaks (Logo), AVR Studio, IDIC, megaAVR, megaAVR
(Logo), picoPower ®, tinyAVR ® are trademarks of Atmel Coorporation. ©MikroelektronikaTM, 2010, All Rights Reserved.
If you want to learn more about our products, please visit our website at www.mikroe.com

If you are experiencing some problems with any of our products or just need additional information, please place your ticket at
www.mikroe.com/en/support

If you have any questions, comments or business proposals, do not hesitate to contact us at office@mikroe.com
microcontroller’s configuration bits.
8051Flash
™

Flash program is used to transfer a .hex file from a PC to the

microcontroller memory by means of the appropriate hardware.
Every flash program includes numerous options used for setting the

Programmer
User manual